Thursday, March 19, 2009

Rogues Theatre - Old Neighbourhood

The Old Neighborhood
By David Mamet, Directed By Aaron Coates

Shattered by an impending divorce, Bobby Gould (Joe-Norman Shaw) returns to his childhood home in Chicago. He wants to reconnect to his past in an attempt to figure out who he is and where he is going; but returning home, he discovers that time has radically altered him and the old neighborhood. In the throes of a mid-life crisis, Bobbys return also stirs up anxieties about his loss of connection to his cultural and religious heritage, his dysfunctional family and the dangers that haunt intimate relationships.
At his most subtle and complexly human, Mamet asks disquieting questions about how to deal with a legacy that, as it slips through our fingers, shapes our lives.

"Elegant and beautiful...David Mamet's autobiographical play is full of laughter and lament." (The New Yorker)

Featuring:
Larry Hoffman, Bob Legare, Barb Mitchell, Fiona Morris and Joe Norman Shaw S.M Amanda Wiebe / Design: Brad Leavitt
tix: 403-263-0079
http://www.roguestheatre.com/

All performances in the Joyce Doolittle Theatre, The Pumphouse Theatres. For more information on Rogues Theatre, upcoming productions, or for ticket information, call (403) 263-0079 or visit http://www.roguestheatre.com/.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Caiden - More Life Art!

So I've been busy creating more Life Art for little Caiden. Here is some of what I've been playing with. These first ones are from his one year session. All the background papers have been created from scratch to go with the layouts.
This next one is from his 6 month session. We've been jumping around a bit - but I'm getting close to having his year done! I love the little details like the butterflies, "grass" and footprints in this one. So much fun! More to come soon...

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Photoshop Classes

They're here! And here is all the info you need to know. (And if you need more - email me: jennifer@chipperfieldphotography.com)


Welcome to Introductory Photoshop!

This class is designed to get you familiar with Photoshop and by the end we should have you comfortable with getting around in Photoshop, getting your pics in and out of Photoshop, as well as being able to do some basic work to make them look good too! The class is going to be 2 hours a week for 3 weeks in order to give you some time to play with what you have learned during that week. I strongly encourage you to play in the program. There is nothing that you can really mess up (that I can’t help you fix) and the more you play, the more familiar and better you are. Having said that – if you guys are all picking up the concepts easily, we will take the time to go in to more advanced stuff towards the end. But for now, let’s concentrate on teaching you the basics!

Here are some of the things you can count on learning:
· the toolbar (and options)
· preferences – how to set up PS to work for you.
· the work area
· the palettes
· navigating
· shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts…
· image size and understanding resolution
· cropping and scaling and image
· understanding colour modes
· saving an image (sounds basic, I know – but there are lots of options in here!)
· understanding image file formats (jpeg, TIFF, PSD – why are there so many?)
· making selections
· adjustments (brighter, darker, colour – all important stuff!)
· brushes
· an introduction to retouching tools (patch, healing and stamp tools)
· removing distracting objects in background
· intro to layers
· working with text
· basic image correction and retouching techniques
· filters (or let’s play with cool stuff!)

Class time: 9:30 – 11:30 Tuesday March 31, April 7 and April 14.
(We require 3 registered participants or else the class may be cancelled or changed)

Cost: $150+gst.
Payment must be received to hold your spot. For your convenience we accept VISA or MC, Interac or cheque in person or VISA or MC by phone or email.

Please call 403.263.6166. to register or email jennifer@chipperfieldphotography.com

The class will be taught on Adobe Photoshop CS4. This is the latest version of the software. If you do not own PS yet, you can download a 1 month trial online at adobe.com. This is a great way to see if you are really going to use all the features that CS4 allows. Alternatively, you can also learn on Photoshop Elements (a 1 month trial is also available at adobe.com). This is the baby version of CS4 but still will allow most users to create the images they would like to see. Many of the lessons can be adapted for Elements and throughout the class, if we have people using this software, I will let you know when you are entering territory where there will be shortcomings.

You can do Photoshop work with just a mouse, however, I HIGHLY recommend getting a tablet if you think you will be doing a substantial amount of work. Trust me – you will kiss me when you feel the difference. I don’t endorse any of the following stores, but Future Shop, Best Buy and Staples all sell the Wacom Bamboo. I like the one without the mouse – I have never used the mouse on it. It’s awkward.

This class is being taught interactively, online with the latest in webinar software. You can learn in the comfort of your own home without the hassle and time of travelling. To maximize your experience, I recommend an integrated headset/microphone unit. You can use your computers speakers and a separate microphone, but be aware that it can sometimes cause distortion. Alternatively, there is a conference call number provided and you can use your telephone. This is a long distance number, so if you have a long distance plan, perfect! If not, please be aware that you will be billed long distance charges.
If you have any technical questions about getting set up for the class, please don’t hesitate to give me a shout.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you on your journey in to the fabulous world of digital imaging, where anything is possible.


(and because this post wasn't long enough, here's more)
Photoshop for Scrapbookers (or how to create incredible layouts and learn some cool tricks!)

So you’ve taken the Introductory class, or maybe you already know your way around Photoshop. And now you want to learn how to play with layers, blend modes, compositing, text effects, selective colouring and so many more fabulous techniques. Well welcome to your new playground. Whether you want to do all digi layouts or create rockin’ Hybrid (digi/traditionl) pieces, have we got a class for you! In this class we will explore all those techniques along with making your own custom brushes, working with downloads from online sites and so much more. Join us for this uber-fun class and look forward to sharing your creations online with the rest of the class. Express your soul through art!

Class time: 9:30-12:30 Saturday May 2 and May 9,6 hrs.
(We require 3 registered participants or else the class may be cancelled or changed)

Cost: $150+gst. Payment must be received to hold your spot. For your convenience we accept VISA or MC, Interac or cheque in person or VISA or MC by phone or email.

All the technical info is the same as above - please read the Introductory class for more.
xoxo, Jen


Monday, March 9, 2009

Digital Scrapbook Papers

As some of you might know, a few months ago, I launched my first two lines of Digi Scrapbook papers. I am so pleased to announce that they are now available on my website at http://www.chipperfieldphotography.com/ in the orderables gallery. Here are the preview images to give you a taste of what you will be able to play with.

Here is a sample image using one of the Peony papers with a beautiful butterfly detail. The script text in the backgrounds lend a nostalgic air to these varied and organically based papers.I will be doing a random draw at the end of this week, from any comments made to this post for a free set of both papers!

For everyone else, the papers may be ordered directly on line and I offer Paypal for easy payment. In some shopping cart weirdness, the prices show in USD but will actually be in CAD and include GST.

Thanks for playing!

Jen

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Jennifer needs...

I typed Jennifer needs (as I guess this is the latest internet search game?) in to Google and the titles that came up are hilarious. These are the top 10 that grabbed my eye.

Jennifer needs a smack daddy
Jennifer needs a shave
Jennifer needs to play by the rules
Jen needs to let go and get a life
Jen needs a title
Jen needs some more time
Jen needs to stop being so self absorbed
Jennifer needs to recognize that both of you do a good job
Jennifer needs your news
Jen needs to find a self righteous, conspicuous "I'm better than you" charitable position

Just something fun for a Tuesday afternoon break.